The bill amends the Revised School Code by adding a new section, 1164f, which establishes a Cultural History Advisory Board within the Department of Education. The board will be appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and must consist of members representing various cultural communities, including Asian-American, Latino, Black, Middle Eastern, Indigenous, Caribbean-American, Jewish-American, and European-American groups, as well as educators and representatives from higher education institutions. The board is tasked with demonstrating cultural competency and ensuring that its members do not exhibit bias or discrimination.
The advisory board is required to meet at least quarterly and will provide recommendations for a K-12 curriculum tool kit and professional development focused on cultural competency in teaching history related to the diverse cultural groups mentioned. Additionally, the board will hold public meetings to gather input from the community and collaborate with various organizations to develop the curriculum. Members of the board will receive a per diem for their service and may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while serving. The Superintendent has the authority to appoint members, fill vacancies, and remove members for specific reasons.
Statutes affected: Senate Introduced Bill: 380.1, 380.1852